What is WordPress Hook: category_template
The category_template hook in WordPress is used to modify the template file that is used to display category archives. This hook allows developers to customize the appearance and layout of category pages on their WordPress websites.
Understanding the Hook: category_template
The category_template hook is located within the get_category_template function in the WordPress template hierarchy. This function retrieves the path of the category template file that is used to display the category archive.
Hook Parameters (if applicable): category_template
The category_template hook does not accept any arguments or parameters. It simply allows developers to modify the template file used for category archives.
Hook Doesn’t Work: category_template
If the category_template hook doesn’t work as expected, it may be due to incorrect usage or conflicts with other template files or plugins. To troubleshoot, developers should check for any syntax errors in their code and ensure that the hook is being added in the correct location within their theme files.
Best Practices & Usage Notes (if applicable): category_template
When using the category_template hook, developers should be aware that it only applies to category archives and will not affect the display of individual posts within the category. It is best practice to create a child theme when modifying template files to avoid losing changes during theme updates.
category_template Usage Example: category_template
“`php
function custom_category_template( $template ) {
if ( is_category() ) {
$new_template = locate_template( array( ‘custom-category-template.php’ ) );
if ( ! empty( $new_template ) ) {
return $new_template;
}
}
return $template;
}
add_filter( ‘category_template’, ‘custom_category_template’ );
“`